NETGEAR is improving its NETGEAR Armor home networking security service on which it partners with cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, adding a new tier of service and other security features designed to help protect home networks and devices from hacking. The new service is available now to Orbi and Nighthawk owners, including the new Orbi 870 Series mesh Wi-Fi 7 system that the company is also announcing at CES 2025.
The Orbi 870 is NETGEAR’s latest Wi-Fi 7 system, and, according to the company, it delivers speeds of up to 21 Gbps, leveraging advanced technologies like 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for robust performance.
MLO combines two Wi-Fi bands to optimize both backhaul and fronthaul connections, enhancing network reliability, reducing latency, and ensuring maximum data speeds. With support for 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, this system is designed to handle high-capacity environments.
NETGEAR also highlights the system’s ability to support up to 150 connected devices across 9,000 square feet, safety and security features, and more.
For wired connections, the router features a 10 Gig internet port for multi-gig cable or fiber plans, along with four 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports on both the router and satellites. Users can enhance performance with multi-gig wired connections or plug in devices for optimal speeds. The Orbi app offers network management tools such as pausing the internet, running speed tests, monitoring data usage, and setting up separate networks for guests or IoT devices.
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The Orbi 870 comes with a 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor, automatic firmware updates, VPN support, WPA3 security and access control, as well as NETGEAR”s Advanced Router Protection feature that helps protect the system from threats using AI and exploit prevention to detect and block threats. The system can also quickly deploy live patches for threats without needing to wait for a new firmware release.
Beyond that, NETGEAR Armor is getting some significant improvements as well. The improvements include Armor Plus, a new tier of service that includes all of the benefits of Armor as well as an unlimited VPN for up to 50 devices, adblocking and anti-tracking tools.
In addition, NETGEAR is limiting the number of subscriptions Orbi and Nighthawk owners need to maintain the health of their home networks by including extended warranty and 24/7 priority tech support as part of the Armor service. Those were previously separate subscriptions.
NETGEAR Armor is a cybersecurity service powered by Bitdefender available on most NETGEAR Wi-Fi systems and routers that uses AI to automatically scan connected devices and IoT products for vulnerabilities, threats, and data breaches. NETGEAR Armor will give users recommendations to enhance security and inform users about vulnerabilities and blocked attacks. Users can then take action in their Orbi or Nighthawk apps.
The extended warranty covers repairs, accidental damage and free express replacement, while priority tech support gives users access to NETGEAR experts around the clock.
Other features of Armor includes a VPN, web protection for blocking suspicious websites, scam alerts for monitoring malicious links, and monitoring email accounts.
The Orbi 870 is available in black or white, retailing for $999.99 for a two-oack and $1,299.99 for a three-pack.
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